Demre Myra Kekova History: Thousands of years ago, the state of Liquia lived and prospered on this place. It was really famous for its writing, culture, language and architecture! The city of Mira is located in the valley of the Xanf River, it grew and developed! In the 21st century, the state of Liquia ceased to exist, it came under the rule of the Ottoman Empire and then became part of Turkey.
The Likians believed that the souls of dead people turn into animals that are able to fly! Therefore, they brought bodies high into the rocks, closer to the sky, so that it was easier to take off. Burials were held in tombs carved into the rocks. In the world the largest rock necropolis, it is called the City of the Dead and dates it 6th century BC.
Some tombs are striking in their size. They resemble whole temples! They're called Tapinak! They have a fundamen with columns on the corners and a burial room. The facade of such tombs was decorated with carvings, inscriptions and drawings from the life of the living and the reincarnation of the dead! Drawings are so interesting that you can look at them for hours, for example, you can guess who was during the life of a person and what he did! But it's a rich estate. The poor people were buried at the foot of the mountain, in Dahit, these are stone sarcophagi with a lid, without decorations and other symbols.
Demre district is about 190 km from Belek city. After reaching the city, which smells of history after a journey that lasts about 3 hours, the first place we will visit will be the church of Saint Nikolas. Get ready to meet the historical ruins of the Lyian civilization.When we reach the ancient city of Myra, we guarantee you will be amazed by rock cemeteries.
The sunken city of Kekova will be introduced to you with an amazing boat tour.